June
8
Designer Debbie Wiener to Launch “Slob Proof” Furniture Line with Crypton
Designer Debbie Wiener to Launch “Slob Proof” Furniture Line with Crypton
Debbie Wiener, one of my favorite designers – and friends – called me yesterday with great news: The success of her recent book, Slob Proof, is evolving into a new “Slob Proof” furniture line with the hi-tech fabric company, Crypton.
Wiener used a dog-themed Crypton fabric on several chairs in the Ashburn, VA, home of Donnie Wood, whom we profiled in the magazine earlier this year.
The armchairs in Wood’s dining room are covered in Crypton, a nod to her three rambunctious dogs.
Donnie Wood sits with her Jack Russell terrier, Pepper, in a club chair upholstered with Crypton (one of four identical chairs in the living room and adjoining sitting room), where she never has to worry about Pepper’s nails scratching it.
Crypton, whose fabric is resistant to stains, odors, and bacteria, is a perfect match for Wiener, who’s carved a niche for herself by specializing in pet- and kid-friendly decor, as the name of her book suggests. She’s become an expert in sourcing fabrics, finishes, and furniture that will stand up to scratches, spills, and stains.
Wiener will be spending the summer working with Crypton to design furniture and choose fabrics that will have a broad appeal, she says. “I want [to include] something that’s clearly contemporary, clearly traditional, and clearly transitional – something for everyone,” she says.
Examples of existing Crypton furniture, which I didn’t know they had before Debbie’s call: Asher sofa; Jacqueline Chair; Alex Ottoman.
Wiener’s design criteria across all categories includes: Only rounded arms on sofas (better for naps); no skirts on the upholstery (“I just find skirts to be another place to trap dust and pet hair”); and “all the leg finishes have got to match up to Magic Markers.”
We’ve listened to a lot of hoity-toity design speak here at the magazine, but her comments cut to the chase. When I think about all the scratches my kids have put on our chairs’ arms and legs, why don’t the stores include “Magic Marker Brown” on their list of umpteen wood-finish selections?
In addition, Wiener says her furniture will be “totally green, with really high-quality details and indestructible fabric.”
So, when we ultimately replace our yellow sofa where my 7-year-old spilled my glass of red wine over the weekend, I’ll know who to call.
